Why Keep the Fridge at About 4°C (40°F)?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why keep the fridge at about 4°C (40°F)?

The Big Idea

We keep the fridge at about 4 degrees Celsius, or 40 degrees Fahrenheit, because that cold slows most spoilage and harmful germs! Colder is safer for food, but not so cold that it freezes lettuce. A fridge thermometer is better than guessing, because your hand cannot read temperature well.

Cold Slows Bacteria

Step one: cold slows bacteria. Bacteria grow slowly when it is cold, and quickly when it is warm. At 4 degrees Celsius or lower, most harmful ones grow very slowly.

Warm Fridge, Risk

Step two: a warm fridge is a risk. If the fridge is too warm, germs and spoilage speed up. Milk and meat then go bad sooner, and the food can be unsafe to eat.

Not Too Cold

Step three: not too cold. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius, which can damage lettuce and milk. So the fridge target sits between 0 and 4 degrees.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at fridge temperature! A thermometer in the fridge shows the true number. The goal is 4 degrees Celsius or lower. The freezer is much colder, about minus 18. Check your fridge every week, and note the number.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Numbers beat vibes for fridge safety. Your hand cannot feel the difference between 4 and 8 degrees. Do not overstuff the fridge, so cold air can move. A grown-up should adjust the fridge settings.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Check your fridge thermometer this week. Write down the number each day. Is it at 4 degrees or lower? Is it at 4 degrees Celsius or lower?

Outro

A cold fridge, checked with a thermometer, keeps food safer. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!